NeurON Air

Neurotech UofT

Get ready to explore the world of neurotechnology like never before! We’re bringing you the latest innovations, featuring leading researchers, engineers, clinicians, and startup founders shaping the future of neurotech. Whether you're a student, a tech enthusiast, or just neuro-curious, this podcast is your go-to space for expert insights and thought-provoking conversations!

Episódios

  1. Neurotech Entrepreneurship and Venture Capital with Dr. Alison Smith - NeurON Air #3

    6 DE AGO.

    Neurotech Entrepreneurship and Venture Capital with Dr. Alison Smith - NeurON Air #3

    In this episode, our guest is Dr. Alison Smith, PhD—a distinguished neuroscientist and venture capital-backed founder whose career bridges academic research and cutting-edge innovation in mental health technology. We begin by exploring Dr. Smith’s unique path into neurotech entrepreneurship, what drew her to the intersection of science, technology, and business, and how Roga, the wearable device startup focused on anxiety treatment she has co-founded, evolved into a high-impact company recognized by Forbes, Business Insider, and Fast Company. We then dive into the real-world challenges of building and scaling a science-driven medical device startup, from navigating international regulatory approval to securing $1.7M in venture capital funding. Dr. Smith also reflects on her earlier experience at Vielight Inc., her current work in early-stage healthcare investing as a Venture Fellow at HaloHealth, and the lessons she has learned from evaluating startups on the other side of the table. As the conversation turns toward mentorship and impact, we discuss the role of graduate training in entrepreneurship, her groundbreaking virtual anatomy course at the University of Waterloo, and her advice for students and early-career professionals considering a leap from academia to industry. Finally, Dr. Smith shares her thoughts on the future of neurotechnology, AI in mental healthcare, and how her leadership has been shaped by her experience as a female founder in deep tech.

    1h10min
  2. NeuroAI and the Brain-Machine Interaction with Dr. Brokoslaw Laschowski - NeurON Air #2

    26 DE MAI.

    NeuroAI and the Brain-Machine Interaction with Dr. Brokoslaw Laschowski - NeurON Air #2

    In this episode of NeurOn Air, our guest is Dr. Brokoslaw Laschowski, PhD – a computational neuroscientist and engineer working at the exciting intersection of neuroscience and artificial intelligence. We begin with Dr. Laschowski’s journey—what drew him to NeuroAI and why this rapidly evolving field holds such transformative potential. He introduces listeners to the core concepts of NeuroAI and what makes this discipline uniquely promising in advancing both brain science and machine intelligence. From there, we dive into his groundbreaking work on motor control, exploring how machine learning algorithms and biomechanical models can help us understand and predict human movement. We then turn to his research in computer vision, and how principles of neuroscience have shaped smarter and more adaptive perception systems. We also discuss the similarities and differences between the human brain and artificial neural networks. Dr. Laschowski shares his vision for real-time brain-machine interfaces, the challenges of designing AI that mimics human cognition, and what he’s learned about the brain by trying to replicate it in code. As the conversation shifts toward the future, we explore the ethical and societal implications of NeuroAI beyond therapy, including the possibility of cognitive enhancement. Finally, we highlight his work outside the lab as co-founder and director of a summer research program for student refugees from Ukraine and close with advice for young scientists looking to enter the world of NeuroAI.

    1h19min
  3. Neuromodulation, CRANIA, and Looking Ahead with Dr. Taufik A. Valiante - NeurON Air #1

    28 DE FEV.

    Neuromodulation, CRANIA, and Looking Ahead with Dr. Taufik A. Valiante - NeurON Air #1

    In this episode of NeurON Air, our guest is Dr. Taufik A. Valiante, MD PhD FRCS – a distinguished neurosurgeon, scientist, and leading expert in neuromodulation and epilepsy research. We start with the basics: What is neuromodulation, and why is it a game-changer in modern medicine? Dr. Valiante breaks down the most common neuromodulation techniques and their clinical applications, particularly in treating neurological disorders like epilepsy. He shares real-world insights from his work as a neurosurgeon, including a successful patient story, and discusses how neuroplasticity influences long-term outcomes. We also dive into the latest breakthroughs, the barriers to making neuromodulation widely accessible, and the ethical and regulatory challenges in this rapidly evolving field. Shifting gears, we explore CRANIA (CenteR for Advancing Neurotechnological Innovation to Application)—the pioneering research initiative Dr. Valiante co-founded. He shares the vision behind CRANIA, its current focus, and the challenges of launching a multidisciplinary hub that bridges clinical practice and cutting-edge research. To close, we discuss the future of neuromodulation and the importance of education in shaping the next generation of scientists and clinicians. Dr. Valiante introduces the CRANIA NeuroModulation Institute (CNMI) and reflects on how collaboration between neuroscience and engineering is driving innovation. Finally, he offers invaluable advice for young scientists and engineers eager to contribute to this exciting field.

    1h2min
  • 3 episódios

Sobre

Get ready to explore the world of neurotechnology like never before! We’re bringing you the latest innovations, featuring leading researchers, engineers, clinicians, and startup founders shaping the future of neurotech. Whether you're a student, a tech enthusiast, or just neuro-curious, this podcast is your go-to space for expert insights and thought-provoking conversations!

Informações

  • Criado por
    Neurotech UofT
  • Anos de atividade
    2 mil
  • Episódios
    3
  • Classificação
    Livre
  • Copyright
    © NeurON Air 2025
  • Site do podcast
    NeurON Air